In Malta, the white poplar grows in valleys such as Chadwick Lakes and Wied il-Luq.

The white poplar is one of several species of poplars native to the Northern Hemisphere. The exact number of poplars is unknown, mainly because of difficulties in distinguishing species and the existence of hybrids, but it is believed that there are between 25 and 35 species.

The white poplar was introduced in North America in 1748, where it is widely cultivated for its wood. In some areas of this continent, and in many parts of Australia and South Africa, it is considered as an invasive species.

It is indigenous in southern and central Europe and to the east, as far as Central Asia.

This species is the only native poplar of the Maltese islands. It lives in moist habitats such as the sides of streams and rivers. In Malta it grows in valleys such as Chadwick Lakes and Wied il-Luq (Maltese for ‘valley of the poplars’).

In old English, the white poplar was known as Abele from the Latin albellus, meaning white. Its scientific name is Populus alba which also means white poplar.

The tree can be easily recognised: the trunk is smooth greyish-white and the leaves appear white underneath. The white colour is a result of whitish-grey hair that grows on both sides of the leaves.

The hair on the upper side of the leaves wears off uncovering the green surface of the leaves. That on the bottom remains on the leave until it falls off in late autumn.

In ancient Greece the white poplar was dedicated to Hercules as legend has it that he crowned himself with its branches to celebrate his victory over Cacus on Aventine Hill which was covered with white poplars.

Those offering sacrifices to him bound their heads in a similar way as did those who conquered their enemies.

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